Station's platform

Graphics (10), 2023

Silver Spring Metro Station is part of the community's long tradition of being an important transportation hub.  In 1849, the Washington and Brookville Turnpike first connected Silver Spring (then known as Sligo) to Washington, D.C. The B&O's Railroad's Metropolitan Branch reached Silver Spring in 1873, but development of the area didn't start until the 20th century.

Early 20th century growth of the federal government increased development throughout the region, including Silver Spring.  After World War II, Silver Spring became the second most populated community in Maryland after Baltimore.  The 1960s however, brought a decline to its downtown commercial area.

As part of Silver Spring's downtown revitalization, Silver Spring Station opened in 1978 and was Maryland's first Metro station. Two decades later, the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center opened, featuring the Metrorail station, taxi stands, car-sharing spaces, bike lockers and racks, and connections to the Capital Crescent Trail, Shuttle UM, MARC, and the future Metropolitan Branch Trail.

Now, Silver Spring Station is expanding again with the future MDOT MTA Purple Line. The new Purple Line will foster better connections for Metro, MARC, and bus customers with enhanced accessibility and greater capacity.